The East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge #319 has selected physician, humanitarian and philanthropist Alberta M. Finch, M.D. as recipient of the 2012 A. Mitchell Palmer Award.

The annual A. Mitchell Palmer Award recognizes individuals within Monroe County for their long-term and significant contributions in the field of law, public safety, or community service.The award is named in memory of the early 20th century Stroudsburg attorney, businessman and politician. Included in his resume of lifetime public service, Mr. Palmer served three terms in Congress and two years as Attorney General of the United States.He was also a founding charter member of the East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge #319 in 1895.Alberta M. Finch graduated from Temple University Medical School and began her career as a medical practitioner over 60 years ago.In 1962, she opened her office in Stroudsburg, specializing in pediatrics. Between 1962 and 1986, Dr. Finch divided her time between her private practice and a long list of community and public service organizations.To name but a few, she has been a board member of Home Health Services and Children & Youth Services of Monroe County, the Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance, Pocono Medical Center, and the Quiet Valley Historical Association.Dr. Finch is credited with opening the Pediatric Clinic at Pocono Medical Center in 1993, and in 1997 establishing the Dr. Alberta Finch Children's Health Endowment Fund through the Pocono Health Foundation.In addition, Dr. Finch traveled to Africa several times during the latter 1980s to offer her services as a volunteer medical missionary.Dr. Finch has received the following awards and accolades: "Humanitarian of the Year" from the Pocono Chamber of Commerce, "Woman of Distinction" from East Stroudsburg University, "Service Above Self" from the Rotary Club, "Liberty Bell" from the Monroe County Bar Association, "Gold Medal" from Pocono Medical Center, and "Human Rights" from Church Women United. She was recognized in 1999 by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for her many years of selfless service to humanity, and is listed in both Who's Who of American Women and Who's Who in the

U.S.A.Dr. Finch will receive the award at a dinner co-sponsored by Elks #319 and the Monroe County Bar Association, to be held at the East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance; tickets will not be sold at the door.If interested in attending, or for more information, please call event Chairman Dave Merklin at (570) 476-5773. Seating is limited.